Leatherwood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leatherwood |
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| Flower, Montezuma Falls, Tasmania, Australia, 5 Jan 2012 by John Tann | |
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| Young, growing sapling in full flower and growth (source of above flower) | |
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Eucryphia
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| Species: |
lucida
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The Leatherwood (scientific name: Eucryphia lucida) is a special tree or large bush. It grows only in the forests of western Tasmania, an island in Australia. People love this plant for its beautiful flowers and for the delicious honey that bees make from it.
It's a very attractive plant. People use it in gardening (this is called horticulture). Beekeepers also use it to make honey (this is called apiculture). At one time, some people wanted Leatherwood to be Tasmania's official flower. They thought it was a better choice than the Tasmanian blue gum.
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What Does Leatherwood Look Like?
Leatherwood trees usually grow between 2 and 10 meters (6–30 feet) tall. Sometimes, in perfect conditions, they can reach up to 25 meters (80 feet)!
Their small leaves are dark green and shiny. They are shaped like an oval and are about 2–4 centimeters (1-1.5 inches) long.
The flowers appear in spring and summer. They are white and about 2.5 to 4 centimeters wide. They look a bit like small, single roses. These flowers have a strong, sweet smell, especially on warm days. The parts of the flower often feel a bit sticky. After the flowers, the plant grows tough, leathery seed pods. These pods become ripe in autumn.
A scientist named Jacques Labillardière was the first to describe this plant.
Where Does Leatherwood Grow?
Leatherwood is very common in the wet forests of Tasmania. You can find it mostly in the western parts of the island. This includes areas like the Tarkine and the South West Wilderness.
It usually grows under taller trees in the forest. It likes places that get a lot of rain, about 1500–2500 millimeters (60–100 inches) each year.
Scientists have found old fossil leaves that look like Leatherwood. These fossils were found in western Tasmania. This suggests that plants similar to Leatherwood have been growing there for a very long time.
Growing Leatherwood
It's quite easy to grow Leatherwood from seeds or cuttings. It makes a lovely plant for a garden. It grows quickly if it has good soil that drains well. It also needs some shelter and enough moisture. You might need to trim it regularly to keep it looking neat.
Leatherwood is very important for beekeepers in Tasmania. They use it to make a special kind of honey called leatherwood honey. This honey is so famous that it has been recognized by an international food group called Slow Food.
For many years, beekeepers have worked hard to protect Leatherwood forests. They talk to the Tasmanian government to make sure they can still reach these trees. They also want to stop logging that might harm the Leatherwood.
Much of the Leatherwood grows deep inside Tasmania's wild western forests. It can be hard to get to. Beekeepers sometimes camp in the forest during the leatherwood harvest. This usually happens between January and March.
Different Kinds of Leatherwood
There are several special types of Leatherwood that people have grown:
- "Ballerina" has larger flowers that are pink with red edges. It was found in western Tasmania in 1986.
- "Dumpling" is a small type that grows to about 1 meter tall. It has white flowers.
- "Gillanders' Rose" is a type that has pink flowers.
- "Gilt Edge" has leaves with three parts. The top of the leaves has a creamy yellow edge. It produces white flowers that open flat.
- "Gold Rim" is another type.
- "Leatherwood Cream" has leaves with cream-colored edges.
- "Pink Cloud" has pink flowers. It was found near Smithton in North-West Tasmania in 1984.
- "Spring Glow" is a type with eye-catching cream-edged leaves that stay green all year. It also has pretty white flowers.
